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BORN

1921

DIED

2020

JAMES YESTADT Obituary

YESTADT--James, 98, esteemed symphony conductor: (November 24, 1921 - April 21, 2020) After completing his military service in WWII and completing graduate studies in music at Columbia University, Mr. Yestadt with his wife Victoria, a professional violinist, embarked on a lifelong musical journey. In 1960, Mr. Yestadt was appointed resident conductor of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra and was invited to study with renowned conductor Rafael Kubelik in Luzerne, Switzerland conducting the Zurich Radio Orchestra. Thereafter, Mr. Yestadt accepted the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and the Mobile Opera for 15 years bringing classical music to season subscribers and free concerts to schools and parks across the region to over 80,000 people annually. Mr. Yestadt then conducted the Baton Rouge Orchestra and the Louisiana Youth Orchestra and performed for 23 seasons as the Music Director and Conductor of the West Valley Symphony in Sun City, Arizona. James Yestadt, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind three sons Jim (deceased), Rick and Gregory, two granddaughters Molly and Dixie and two great- granddaughters Evelyn and Vivienne.

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Published by New York Times on May 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Mark Huth

January 31, 2024

I remember the way he drew the very best from the Sun City orchestra. For several years, I took my son and later both son and daughter to those concerts. At least two performances stick in my mind as among the best I have ever heard - Shostakovich's 9th symphony and Dvorak's 8th.

Tony Masiello

April 27, 2023

Most of all I remember how well Maestro used rehearsal time. He never wasted a second and treated each section of the orchestra with kind understanding but a firm grasp on the capabilities of the players in the section. James was always thoughtful and consistent.

Anthony Masiello

April 27, 2022

I had the honor of playing under Maestro Yestadt's baton as 2nd Clarinet in the West Valley Symphony for many years. Maestro Yestadt always was a great musician and inspired me as a performer. I will always remember his amazing rehearsal demeanor and his thorough preparation for all programs.

Claire Gordon

April 10, 2021

James Yedstadt was a dedicated conductor. I played Principal 2nd violin for him in the West Valley Symphony for many years. I am grateful for how he helped to shape my life musically. We played so much fabulous repertoire and performed with world-famous guest artists, both pop and classical under Maestro Yedstadt's direction. My deepest condolences to his family.

Gene Wesley

March 26, 2021

Thanks , Mr. Yestadt , for the awesome experience you gave me as my theory teacher / conductor at Xavier University of La . Rest in peace.

Marc Le Mire

January 8, 2021

Wonderful memory Yestadt conducting me as soloist with NOPSO at McAllister in Kabalevsky Piano Concerto #3 in April 1963. Maestro may angelic music carry you always! Marc David le Mire.

Virginia Yestadt

October 16, 2020

He had another granddaughter, Frances Yestadt.

Tony Masiello

June 24, 2020

I played under Maestro Yestadt for many years in the West Valley Symphony in Sun City AZ. It was an honor to work with the Maestro and to get to know him as I did towards the end of his long tenure with the orchestra. My deepest condolences to his family and all those who knew him well.

Simone Taylor

May 3, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving

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